Recently Asked Questions

[NOTE: Since they authorized a public reply, we're keeping the name of the member organization submitting the question in this RAQ.  Usually, we genericize, but in this case, we trust you see why we kept the member's name in the question.]

QUESTION

Our organization has voted to change its name in an effort to re-brand to a more contemporary audience. Our original charter, granted in 1909, will not change, nor our legal name (Ticonderoga Historical Society).

What steps do we need to take to register our new name? Is this what is called a "DBA" and are there other steps we must take?

I've seen libraries take pictures of book covers and promote them on their library social media page, and was wondering if the same policy holds for movies. Can we take a picture of the front covers our new DVDs and promote them on Facebook? Or is it preferred that patrons browse our new DVDs in the library and/or on our library catalog?

Even though we purchased a movie license, I do know that due to copyright laws, we are not allowed to promote on social media any movies that we are showing at the library. Patrons are asked to call us and inquire what movie we are showing. Thanks for the help!

Are libraries legally required to obtain photo releases from all patrons (children's parents, teens, adults), even if we don't name those patrons before publishing photos to our social media accounts and/or press releases?

A member collaborating on a conference asked for some general legal advice to keep in mind when selecting a name for the event (“branding”).

At a recent WNYLRC webinar, we discussed the ownership of materials generated by library staff.  Who owns the massive amount of original work generated by an active, engaged library staff?